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Tumeth ready to get Women’s NPL season back on track

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Sydney University SFC star defender Tori Tumeth was buzzing with excitement when she once again hit the turf running with her fellow teammates after recent COVID-19 football restrictions on training were eased.

Known as one of the most promising young National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s weapons of the competition, being capped for both the Junior and Young Matildas, the 19-year-old was keen on getting the season back on track with the hope of playing competitive matches very soon.

“It was good to get back to team training, although things were quite different due to the social distancing requirements, it was good seeing all the girls again and the normality of having training sessions once more.

“I guess there’s only so much you can do when training by yourself.

“Seeing everyone was great as it shows we are making fantastic progress to getting the season started up once more.

“I did enjoy the isolation period as it gave me an opportunity to work on myself and committing to my individual training as well as devoting more time towards my Uni studies but nothing beats playing our beautiful game.”

The former APIA, Canterbury and Football NSW Institute graduate, who now in her thirteenth football season, stated to Football NSW that the recent COVID-19 break did affect the 2019 dual Championship and Premiership winner in a number of ways.

“My University Primary Education degree was transitioned to online.

“My three forms of work also seized.

“I was no longer able to coach, teach P.E at primary schools or teach preschoolers multi-sport.

“My football training had stopped and ultimately I lost my whole weekly routine.

“I went from having minimal free time to practically no weekly commitments.

“At first this significant change caused me to have little motivation and the extended period of time was spent at home being unproductive.

“To get my routine back, I was doing four to five 1 on 1 technical sessions a week.

“I was able to work on areas of my game that I wanted to improve and may not have been able to as much in a team-based environment.

“I was also supplied a running and strength and conditioning program by Sydney University.

“My mindset changed from being unmotivated to wanting to use this time to get ahead of everyone else.”

Tumeth, who also plays Futsal with the Inner West Magic during the summer periods, was missing her Sunday fix with her beloved Uni girls.

“Of course the matches on Sunday’s were what I’ve missed the most from our game.

“In my eyes, at the end of the week is the reward for putting in at training and that is being on the pitch with my fellow teammates on Sunday so not having that has really been upsetting.”

With Football NSW along with the NSW Government and Office of Sport working together in getting competitive football on weekends back on track, Tumeth will know that she will have an extra supporter at her match – her miniature sausage dog, the loveable Charlie.

“About three weeks into the isolation break I bought a puppy, Charlie.

“He comes everywhere with me and I have even introduced him to my Sydney Uni gym sessions this week.

“I’ve been trying to train him over the past four weeks so slowly but surely he is getting better obeying things.”

Claudia Cholakian excited to be back

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Manly United attacker Claudia Cholakian couldn’t hide her excitement after hitting up the pitches at Cromer Park on Tuesday evening as the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s side put out its first training session hit-out post COVID-19 restrictions.

“Training was amazing, it was so good to be back.

“I felt so fresh and fit surprisingly but I think it was just adrenaline from the excitement of being back playing with all the girls.

“It was a little different than usual as you’d expect with the club and players following the strict social distancing guidelines but we were all so happy to be at a place we missed very much.

“When I drove to training that night it felt like I never left such was my feeling for the game I love.”

Asked what she missed most during that layoff Cholakian replied.

“I’ve missed match days for sure!

“Sometimes when I’m sitting at home on a Sunday, I’d be thinking I’d be kicking off my game right about now and that would make me sad.

“It was even tougher for us to take at Manly when the league stopped because we had such an amazing start to the season and so did I on a personal level, but this is what’s made me more excited to get back into it knowing the girls are confident in continuing on with our good form.”

The 23-year-old was fortunate enough that during the full football lockdown, she kept herself occupied with work as well as training thanks to a well-coordinated Manly United fitness program that was put together for Claudia and her teammates on top of picking up some interesting hobbies.

“Not much changed for me during the proper COVID-19 break because I was still working full time.

“I have two jobs; one is in fashion retail which remained open during lockdown and the other is in sustainability in property development which I’ve been doing at home.

“The only big changes in my life were not being able to play football and not being able to hang out with my friends during that period.

“I guess because I was still so busy it really didn’t feel like there was a global pandemic going on.

“On the training front, Manly United provided us with a fitness program which involved 3-4 days of fitness work to do at the park so I was really grateful for that.

“Manly also gave us a GPS to wear so knowing they were tracking our work meant it stopped us from slacking off.

“On the new hobbies front, I didn’t have that much time to relax but when I did, I coloured in and painted a lot, I was doing all kinds of artistic stuff (laughs).

Claudia is of course the sister of Manly United’s NPL NSW Men’s talented star attacker Brendan – someone she looks up to in her footballing career and confidence in getting better and hitting her achievements and goals.

“I don’t want to sound biased but he’s actually so good and I really do believe he should’ve been playing in the A-League years ago.

“I always try to incorporate what Brendan does on the pitch in my games so that I can improve and hopefully make the W-League one day.”

Taylor Ray hyped about Football’s hopeful return

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Sydney Olympic’s Young Matildas star Taylor Ray couldn’t hide her excitement when news filtered through that training sessions were back on the cards after COVID-19 halted all football operations in March.

“When the news came through that training sessions only were back on the cards it was definitely a massive step in the right direction and brought a smile to my face.

“It certainly allows us as players to plan and schedule for a hopeful commencement of the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s season with Sydney Olympic.”

The 19-year-old has had her fair share of setbacks. COVID-19 was just the icing on the cake as the rising star suffered a second ACL injury in the space of two seasons but her never say die attitude and determination got her back up and playing with Ante Juric’s Sydney FC side later in the recent W-League season which saw her play finals football.

Asked what she did during the COVID-19 lockdown period the Olympic star replied.

“Since going into lockdown, a big focus of mine was completing my Masters in Personal Training course.

“It’s been a great opportunity to complete most of my assessments and in general broadening my knowledge and understanding of the topic.

“Moreso, regularly completing field sessions, gym work, recovery throughout the week, maintaining technical skills and fitness was also on the cards.

“In one way, it was a great opportunity for us athletes to work on the weaker aspects of our game, whether that’s on or off the field, it gave us that time to reflect and better ourselves which I enjoyed.”

The young gun had the assistance of fellow Sydney FC teammate Amy Sayer where the two trained collectively when restrictions eased in ensuring they were pushing themselves to the limit keeping themselves fit and ready to go. Adding this on top of her being part of the Future Matildas program and Taylor was on top of her fitness and staying sharp campaign in more ways than one.

“It’s been great as during the safer periods when the Government started to relax the restrictions I was training with Amy (Sayer).

“We really enjoyed each other’s company while working hard and smashing out some great sessions in the gym and on the pitch.

“I’m currently in the Future Matildas program as well so my daily sessions are provided to us weekly which consisted of a variety of sessions that included, conditioning (running, bike), gym, field sessions, and yoga/recovery sessions. The majority of days are double sessions in order to mimic a normal week of training we would conduct as a team, so these helped me out heaps.

“I’ll be resuming my training now with Sydney Olympic in the coming week which is very exciting as I will get to see all the girls and coaching staff once more.”

Football continues to play an important role in Taylor’s life and it was no secret that when the game came to a temporary halt, the future Matildas ace missed it like never before.

“You can say that again, I know I speak for so many footballers who were in the same boat, but I missed the game so much.

“There’re so many things about football that makes it such an amazing sport, hence why so many people love it and why so many people missed it when everything came to a stop.

“For me personally, the feeling of playing alongside such quality players that are some of your best mates is something I love doing and missed during the layoff.

“When you think about it, you represent more than just yourself but your club, your culture and your passion – it’s these perfect drivers that we use on the pitch as we come together as one making it such a powerful and emotional feeling and one I cannot wait to experience soon.”

Currently in her fourteenth seasons playing the game she loves, followers of the NPL NSW Women’s competition cannot wait to see Taylor Ray don the famous Blue and White jersey of Sydney Olympic when the girls hopefully get a green light to recommence their season once more.

Here’s hoping!

Lambert Park calling Ibini and de le Harpe

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The sudden pause to the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s season due to COVID-19 meant that we missed out on seeing newly promoted APIA Leichhardt FC do their thing in what was a great recruitment drive for the 2020 year – both Princess Ibini-Isei and Deborah de la Harpe especially were itching for some Lambert Park action in making their APIA debuts.

“COVID-19 has affected most aspects of my life with work, studying, and football all put on hold in some ways,” said de la Harpe.

“It has been very bizarre not having the NPL NSW Women’s football season start, something I look forward to yearly, especially when it has been part of my routine for almost 10 years.”

Ibini echoed her fellow teammates thoughts.

“The virus pandemic has affected me personally as well as it has not allowed me to do the things I enjoy doing such as playing the game I ever so love and being able to hang out with my friends at a cafe or going to the movies.”

With the league suspended after two rounds, APIA, coached by Matthew Costantini, unfortunately saw its first two matches postponed due to teams having players committed to the W-League season which meant that the club has yet to record an official competition match for the 2020 season.

With that in mind and training’s as well as the closure of gyms all put on ice, both girls have continued to stay true to their fitness routines.

“I’ve continued my own training sessions during the lockdown trying to keep up with my normal routine as best as I can.

“It has been good going back to my local park and continuing on with my conditioning, ball training, and getting some home gym work in.

“Usually I drag along a sibling or friend to keep that competitive edge and work through drills as company.

“I think it has been a really good time to improve and perfect certain weaknesses in my game.

“APIA has been great though creating fitness programs for us and continuing team zoom sessions which have been good fun and has been great for all our mental health and well-being seeing how all my teammates are going,” said de la Harpe.

Ibini has mixed family time with fitness stating it’s been great spending time with her loved ones along with keeping herself fit and healthy.

“Since the football lockdown commenced, I’ve been enjoying spending time with my family.

“It’s been nice having everyone under the same roof as it has been a while since we’ve all been together as one.

“I have also been reading a lot which is something I don’t usually do because I don’t have the time to.

“I am fortunate enough to live across the road from a football field where I’m able to train whenever I want.

“I also have some gym equipment at my home which I have been using with my mum and brother to stay fit.”

The inner sanctum that is the dressing sheds is something both Young Matildas stars have missed along with playing the game they love with their fellow teammates with the dynamic duo hoping that the green light was only around the corner in getting everything back to normal once more.

“It’s tough to narrow down what I miss most but I honestly miss everything about our beautiful game.

“I miss the competition itself and of course my teammates – we’ve assembled a very competitive and motivating group of players in what is a fantastic environment and I cannot wait to get back to it.

“It is without a doubt a very frustrating time and everyone is itching to get back on the field.

“However, the more we continue to take the precautions and listen to safety measures the sooner we can get back out there.

“We need to continue to make the most of this time at home with family and continue to get the most out of your individual training and before you know we will be enjoying the sights and sounds of our league once more,” ended de la Harpe.

The banter was something high on Princess’ list she missed along with playing the world game.

“I cannot hide the fact that we have such a great squad full of personalities so I certainly miss playing the game as well as the great banter that comes along with it from my teammates to the coaches to the extended staff.

“To see that again though we need to keep following the guidelines that have been put in place as it is for our safety.

“I know everyone is missing football but we have to stay safe, practice social distancing so that we can hit up Lambert Park and other NPL NSW Women’s pitches very soon.”

 

 

 

 

 

Mother’s Day delight at the Rollason and Ledbrook household

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The dynamic Macarthur Rams duo of Renee Rollason and Kylie Ledbrook understand that this year’s Mother’s Day will be celebrated in a different fashion and that is away from the traditional football pitch and spent with their two wonderful kids Indii and Lachie.

Unfortunately COVID-19 put an end to football temporarily, instead of the ladies preparing for their round 10 NPL NSW Women’s clash against Sydney Olympic at Lynwood Park on Sunday, they will be enjoying the sights and sounds of their little ones.

“Obviously with what’s going on now with COVID-19, it will be nice not to have to play football and spend it as a family.

“Don’t get me wrong, I miss playing football, but normally it is spent at a football pitch.

“This year will be spent at home together.

“We have no concrete plans for Sunday. Kylie isn’t working so will be nice for the kids to have her at home,” said Rollason.

Partner Kylie agreed that family time will be on the agenda come the big day.

“Mother’s Day will be a little different as we normally play football on this day.

“This year although we will miss playing, we will have more time to spend with the family.

“It will be spent low key, a sleep in, some presents shared, pancakes and playing around the house then go for a bike ride together.”

With millions of mothers set to be spoilt on Mother’s Day, both Renee and Kylie agreed that the true meaning of the day was really to thank their own heroes who guided them to where they are today.

“To be honest I don’t think my kids understand Mother’s Day, for me it’s just another day.

“I think it means more to me for my own mum and everything she has done for me.

“I hope when the kids are older, they will appreciate it and have a better understanding – But to my mum and for everything she has done, I thank you,” said Rollason

Ledbrook was equally appreciative of her mother.

“Mother’s Day is about thanking all the mums out there for the love and support they have for their kids.

“As a mother now it is definitely a day that I cherish with my kids but it has also shown me the strength of my mum and being a mum is not always easy and us kids don’t always appreciate the little things parents do to bring you up and make you who you are today.”

Having been together for nine years now, the two have been blessed with two children in Indii (5) and Lachie (2), who mean the world to them.

“I honestly don’t know what we did before kids. Everything we do revolves around them.

“They are the best.

“It’s so good to see them before and after a game or hearing them yell out Go Mum, or go Mumma.

“I’m sure everyone sees them wondering around at Lynwood Park either on their bikes or scooters.

“They love being at football,” said Rollason.

“Both Indii and Lachlan have brightened up our lives for the better,” said Ledbrook.

“They are our world and we love watching them grow and learn new things.

“Although they definitely keep us on our toes, we enjoy the time socializing with our friends and their kids and taking little adventures like camping, waterskiing, motorbike riding and traveling to the farm.”

Football has played a pivotal role in both Reene and Kylie’s lives – it is what brought them together, so to have that taken away from them temporarily due to COVID-19 has been deflating for the pair.

“I miss it a lot.

“Football is an outlet for me,” said Rollason.

“So not having that I have struggled quite a bit especially as football has been quite a big part of my life for the past twenty years having played it all year round, and to not have that it’s a struggle.

“Hopefully we can all get back into it soon and I’m sure it will be appreciated a lot more, I know it will be for me.”

While for Ledbrook, the down time served as a good chance to rehabilitate her knee, but now fully recovered, is ready to return to the pitch.

“I definitely miss playing and seeing our teammates that’s for sure.

“For me, the first four weeks were good as I recovered from a knee injury, but I can’t wait to get back on the park, we need our football fix.”